Centre to launch skill dev programmes for Odisha tribals: Secy  

Reported by Ranjan Rath
Rayagada, Dec 28:

The Central government is contemplating introduction of various skill development and livelihood programs for sustainable growth of trbals, Tribal Affairs secretary Dr Hrushikesh Panda said after reviewing devlopment programmes in Odisha’s Rayagada district on Saturday.

“The Centre is planning to impart Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) training to tribal girls from Dongria community so that they can be provided with jobs,’’ Panda informed.

Ekalabya Model Residential Schools will be set up for providing education to tribal dropout students from class VI during the summer vacations. This initiative aims to serve the tribal population of the state so that they avail best opportunities in education at par with the non-tribal students, he further said.

Stressing on the livestock development programme, Panda laid emphasis on cattle farming and vegetable cultivation for the sustainable development of Dongria women. He said the government would soon launch a livelihood programme for tribal women.

While reviewing various development programmes undertaken in the district for the development of tribals, Panda interacted with Dongria Kondhs on various issues at Chatikona under Bisamkatak block in the district.  The Dongria Kondhs, a primitive section of the tribe, assembled at the Dongria Kondh Development Agency office here.

The tribals put forth their demand before the Union Tribal Affairs secretary for construction of a high school and a hostel at Kurli. Panda said he would apprise the government of these demands.

Later, Panda reviewed various projects under Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihood Programme (OTLP), under the SC & ST department of government of Odisha.

Notably, OTLP focuses on tribal empowerment through food security, increasing their incomes and improving their overall quality of live by efficient use of natural resource based on the principles of improved watershed management and more productive and environmentally sound agricultural practices through enterprise development.